The morning in Shimla carried a quiet charm as Kabir and Kashish prepared to join their offices from the next day. As usual, Kabir had finished his gym routine and was back in the room, He looked around and frowned lightly when he didn't see Kashish anywhere. Then He went to take a shower.

After few minutes, Kashish walked in, a soft smile playing on her lips, only to find Kabir getting ready  for work. He didn't need to ask where she had been, he already knew.

"You must've been downstairs," Kabir said knowingly, slipping on his watch, he continued saying "Helping the bhabhis with breakfast?"

Kashish chuckled, setting her office bag on the bed and smoothing her hair and she replied "Yes"

Kabir turned to her with mock sternness "Kashish, you don't have to prepare the food, the staff can handle it. And besides Diya bhabhi, Paridhi bhabhi, Tanushri bhabhi, and Piyali bhabhi do it because they want to. It's not necessary for you to join them."

Kashish met his gaze, her tone gentle yet firm. "Kabir, it's not about doing it because everyone else is. I want to. I'd like to prepare the food, not out of duty, but because it feels personal. It makes me happy."

Kabir glanced at her quietly for a moment, then said in a calm, steady voice, "Kashish,  but I don't want you to feel pressured. You've already stepped into so many new responsibilities. The rest will fall into place slowly."

Kashish's lips curved into the faintest smile as she answered, "Pressure comes only when the work feels heavy. This, to me, feels like contribution." Kabir let out a soft breath, almost amused at her firmness. "You really don't give up easily, do you?"

Kashish tilted her head slightly, replying with quiet confidence, "Not when it's something I believe in." Kabir gave a small half-smile, adjusting his cufflinks, "Fine then just don't let anyone say I didn't warn you." Kashish's tone warmed just a little, "And don't worry, I won't let anyone blame you either."

✨✨

Kashish came out of the walk in wardrobe, neatly dressed for her day at her architectural firm. Kabir, already ready in his crisp formal wear for office, had placed a few car brochures and models on the table.

"Kashish," he said, lifting one up with a small smile, "tell me which model you'd like. I'll book it for you so that you can take it to office. And I've already told Sujit Dada, my driver, that he'll be driving you from now on."

Kashish looked at him, then at the miniature cars, before shaking her head gently. "There's no need, Kabir. I already have my own car. And Shivansh bhaiya has sent cars from the Diwan mansion, they'll arrive in a few minutes. And Sujit Dada has been your driver for years, hasn't he? I heard it from Akriti Maa."

Kabir nodded, almost proudly "Yes, he's been with me since I started working. That's why I thought he should be with you too, someone trustworthy."

"That's very thoughtful of you," Kashish replied softly, fixing her files into her office bag. "But I don't need a driver. I like to drive on my own." Kabir raised an eyebrow, and said "Are you allergic to taking help?"

She glanced at him quickly, half-amused, half-serious. "It's not that. I just don't like handing over my responsibilities to others."

Kabir studied her for a moment, then smiled faintly without pushing further. "As you wish. But anytime you need a driver, let me know, Sujit Dada is just one call away."

Kashish gave a polite nod. "I'll remember that."

As he picked up his laptop bag, Kabir suddenly looked back at her with a teasing note in his voice. "You said Shivansh is sending your CARS" He stressed on the word CARS "How many cars are coming exactly?"

Kashish looked almost casual as she answered, "Four." Kabir stopped in his tracks, eyes widening. "Four?"

"Yes." She counted them off with her fingers, keeping a straight face. "One for client meetings, one for site visits, one for office commute, and the last one for when I get bored of the other three." Kabir stared at her, then let out a quiet laugh. "High maintenance," he teased.

Kashish lifted her chin slightly, a faint smile tugging her lips. "Or maybe just well-prepared."

With that, they both headed downstairs, joining the Singhania family at the breakfast table where light banter filled the air. After the meal, they exchanged polite goodbyes with the family before slipping into their separate cars, each heading toward their own world of responsibilities, yet carrying an unspoken note of curiosity about the other. All the other family members too left for their respective offices and commitments. After days of celebrations and wedding rituals, a sense of routine slowly began to settle back into the Singhania mansion. 

✨✨

It was around 7 in the evening when Kabir entered his bedroom. His shoulders drooped with the day's exhaustion, and he expected to find Kashish inside. But the room was quiet and empty. With a sigh, he loosened his tie and sat heavily on the couch, eyes closing for a moment of rest.

Just then, the door creaked open. A soft aroma drifted in before she did—the rich scent of freshly brewed black coffee. Kabir's eyes flickered open to see Kashish standing there, holding a steaming cup. She walked forward, her steps calm but a little hesitant, and extended the mug toward him.

Kabir took it, surprised. "You didn't need to do this, Kashish. I could've come down myself."

She smiled faintly, answering with quiet simplicity. "You came in looking so tired. Sujit dada mentioned it... so I thought it would be better to bring your coffee here."

Kabir shifted slightly, moving his hand to gesture at the empty space beside him. "Come, sit."

Kashish settled on the couch, leaving a respectful distance between them. He lifted the cup and took a sip. The warmth spread through him instantly, and his tired features softened. "It's exactly how I like my coffee. How did you know this?"

Her lips curved with a small, knowing smile. "We spent five days at the Kasol farmhouse for our wedding. I often saw Tanushri bhabhi making coffee for you. I remembered the way she did it, so I tried today."

Kabir chuckled softly, leaning back. "Yes, Shourya and I are both very particular about our coffee. Tanushri bhabhi has mastered it." He glanced down at the mug again, taking another slow sip. "But this... this is just as perfect."

A rare ease settled over his face as he let his head fall back against the couch. The weariness of the day seemed to dissolve, leaving only a quiet comfort in the room. Kashish sat beside him, hands folded in her lap, her presence unspoken but steady.

As Kabir sat back, savoring the last sips of his coffee, Kashish quietly stood up and disappeared into the wardrobe area. He leaned back, eyes half-closed, thinking she had gone to change. But within moments she returned, holding two neatly wrapped bags in her hands.

Kabir straightened a little, eyeing the bags with curiosity. "What is this?" he asked, brow raised. Kashish placed them on the couch beside him and said softly, "Open them and see." With a hint of surprise, Kabir pulled the ribbons and unwrapped the first one. His eyes widened slightly when he found the sleek box of the latest iPad Air (M3). In the second bag lay a Heritage watch, its design elegant yet powerful, exactly his style.

He glanced at her, genuinely taken aback. "Kashish you got this for me?" he asked, almost as if confirming. She smiled gently, her voice calm. "Yes. Jay bhaiya once told me that you're fond of the latest gadgets. So I thought this would be something you'd actually like."

Kabir let out a small laugh, shaking his head in disbelief as he held the iPad box. "You know, I was actually planning to buy this very iPad. But you" he paused, looking at her with faint amusement, "you surprised me by giving it before I could."

Before he could continue, Kashish lifted her hand lightly. "And now don't tell me there was no need for this, Kashish. Because I don't want to hear that."

For the first time that evening, Kabir's smile reached his eyes. He looked at her with quiet appreciation and said, "No why would I say that? Especially when I've just received the best gift."

Just then, Kabir's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, it was Samrath Diwan, Kashish's elder brother.

Kabir picking up the call, before he could even greet. Samrath said almost hurriedly "Kabir, is Kashish there with you right now? Don't tell her I've called."

Kabir's eyes flickered toward Kashish who was still sitting near him, arranging the empty coffee cup on the tray.

Kabir replied looking towards kashish "Yes" Samrath said  "Can you step aside? I need to talk to you privately." Kabir nodding once, then lowering his voice "Alright."

He  turned toward Kashish, not wanting to raise suspicion. Kabir said gentlely "Kashish it's an urgent call. I'll just step out for a moment." Kashish looked at him, her tone steady but soft and she replied "Of course, Kabir. Take your time. I'll go downstairs ."

Kabir gave her a small, acknowledging smile that quiet sort of respect he was beginning to show her, before walking towards the balcony with the phone in hand. And kashish went down.

***********************************************************************

Keep guessing why Kashish's brother Samrath called Kabir........

VOTE COMMENT SHARE

-[Pristi Scrolls]